Poke (Phytolacca americana), commonly known as pokeweed, has a long history of use in North American folk medicine, particularly among indigenous peoples and early settlers. Traditionally, various parts of the poke plant—especially the root and leaves—were applied topically or made into poultices to treat bites and stings from insects and snakes. The rationale was often based on the plant’s perceived ability to draw out toxins, reduce inflammation, or relieve pain. However, these uses were rooted in observation and anecdote rather than scientific study. Despite its traditional use, there is scant scientific evidence to validate poke’s effectiveness for bites and stings. Modern research on pokeweed has focused more on its antiviral and immunomodulatory properties (notably the protein pokeweed antiviral protein, PAP), and less on its topical or anti-venom effects. The plant is also known to be toxic, particularly when used internally, due to compounds such as phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin, which can cause serious side effects. In summary, while poke has a traditional reputation for treating bites and stings, there is minimal scientific support for its safety or efficacy in this context, and the evidence supporting its use remains largely anecdotal.